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Snowmobile trails closed

Snowmobilers hungry to get out on the trails will have to wait a little longer with mild temperatures in the forecast for Friday and Saturday.

A couple of trails were opened in Grey County earlier this week, but have since closed. Thursdasy morning Environment Canada was forecasting a high of 8 C and rain on Friday. Saturday is to be cloudy with a high of 9 C.

"We are hoping (the forecast) is wrong, but typically every year we do get a January thaw and if you are looking at the real long range, after this mild spell it is forecast for the temperatures to drop and more snow on the way," said Karen Buratynski, administrator with the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs, which includes all of Grey and Bruce counties and the northern parts of Perth, Huron and Wellington counties.

On Monday, the main rail line stretching from Owen Sound and running in close proximity to Hwy. 10 all the way to Shelburne was opened. Another rail line from Benallan to Hepworth was also opened at that time. Another main trail running from west of the town of Meaford and down into the Blue Mountains was opened since then. All the trails had been closed by Thursday morning.

There are 29 not-for-profit clubs in District 9 that oversee about 3,400 kilometres of trails. They had been out on the trails getting them ready with some pre-grooming work and checking stakes and signs.

Buratynski said that even if the mild weather comes it won't discourage the club volunteers.

"Because we tend to get a couple spells of warmer conditions throughout our winters now, the club volunteers often build and rebuild the trails a couple of times throughout the snowmobiling season," said Buratynski. "It is most definitely a lot of work on their part but they are absolutely dedicated that as soon as the cold temps come back and the flakes start to fly they will be right back at it."

Sledders are asked to stay off trails that are closed, since riding on them is dangerous can damage the trail.

Buratynski said riders should check the OFSC trail guide at ofsc.on.ca before heading out to make sure the trail they are planning to use is open.

Also Wednesday, the OPP warned people to stay off what appear to be frozen lakes and rivers. With warmer weather and rain in the forecast, any ice that has formed will become weak, compromised and dangerous, the news release said.